Reindeer website's popularity a surprise to creator

CALEDONIA, Mich. (WZZM) - When he decided to put his two reindeer in front of a webcam and show them around the clock on the Internet, Drew Born of Caledonia says he had no idea the site would be so popular so quickly.

"We weren't expecting it to blow up this fast," he says. " We have over half million unique visits to the site. It's been phenomenal."

Born was already streaming video of a deer herd on his website "Born Bucks" when his partner suggested they add a reindeer page during the Christmas season. They rounded up a pair of reindeer, arranged for Santa to come twice a day to feed the animals. Soon after, thousands of viewers from around the world logged on to watch.

"They are parents sitting there with their kids on the computer," explains Born. "And it brightens their spirits. That's cool."

Viewers send some letters to Santa, but mostly provide positive feedback on the site's Facebook page.